Introduction
Gilbert Knapp (3 December 1798 – 31 July 1887) was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly and the founder of Port Gilbert (now Racine, Wisconsin). He is memorialized by the Captain Gilbert Knapp Monument at 1751 Michigan Boulevard in Racine and a plaque on the Gilbert Knapp Elementary School at 2701 17th Street.
Biography
Knapp was born on December 3, 1798 in Chatham, Massachusetts. After serving as a privateer in the War of 1812, Knapp joined the United States Revenue Cutter Service, becoming a captain.
In 1821, he married Maria Annan. They had four children before she died in 1828. In 1831, Knapp married Maria's sister. She died the following year. Knapp then married Almira Meach in 1837.
In 1835, Knapp founded Port Gilbert (now Racine, Wisconsin). He died there on July 31, 1887.
Political career
Knapp was a member of the upper house of the legislature of the Wisconsin Territory from 1836 to 1838. After the territory became a state, Knapp served in the Assembly in 1861. He was a Democrat.